JAMES MILLER: God's design overrides Lown's choice

After reading the Dec. 29 edition of the Standard-Times devoted to the personal life of former San Angelo Mayor J.W. Lown, I must acknowledge my disbelief and amazement.

I am baffled as to why the Standard-Times would devote the resources to research, photograph and report the personal activities of a former mayor. It appears that some motive, other than human interest, drove the monthslong development of this story. Certainly, to some observers, the motive seems to be an attempt to glamorize and normalize issues and a lifestyle that are repugnant to the typical San Angelo resident.

While arguing for "tolerance," those who endorse the behaviors described in the Standard-Times front-page, full-section spread frequently have been very intolerant of the free speech and spiritual convictions of others. Recently, Phil Robertson, of "Duck Dynasty" fame, became an example of how fiercely the same-sex marriage advocates attack those who dare question the wisdom of that lifestyle.

Realizing that my comments will not comply with the opinions of the politically correct crowd who formulate ethics by adopting the pseudo wisdom of the social engineers and elites of our day, as a sincere follower of the Lord Jesus Christ I feel compelled to speak out.

The message of the story seems to be that same-sex relationships are as acceptable and normal as heterosexual marriages. In fact, the Standard-Times seems to be swept away by the atypical romance and "love" that compelled a mayor to abandon his city, his friends and his responsibilities to pursue a connection with a very young man.

The true issue for this observer is not the fulfillment of one man's desires or the intention of the homosexual community to normalize its preferred lifestyle. Neither of these is consequential for those who recognize that there exists a "law" that governs the behavior of human beings that rises above the lusts and longings of satisfying oneself.

We believe that it is this God-given inner law that prevents mankind from behaving in a self-serving, animallike manner that uses others for one's own benefit. This law is built into the fabric of humanity and cannot be violated without grave consequences accruing to individuals, culture and civilization.

This law is given to us by the God who loves us more than we can possibly love ourselves or another person. He understands our needs better than we will ever know. His law is based upon a love for us that caused him to sacrifice his only son, Jesus, so that we could know true acceptance, love and peace. It is not "hateful" to hold up the law of God as the standard of man's behavior. It is the evidence that one person really cares about another.

Thus, it is in a spirit of genuine love and compassion that these comments and observations are shared. The Standard-Times writer is addressing the actions of our former mayor, directly, but he also speaks to the same-sex lifestyle.

Every person's actions are his responsibility. I take exception with the Standard-Times and those who promote aberrant and/or illegal activities as harmless or edifying. God forbid that the silence and complacency of those whose convictions are at variance with the same-sex marriage proponents should remain silent and thus contribute to the propagation of a destructive lifestyle.

For those who have rejected a moral standard which is Bible-based, the Standard-Times story does not stir up feelings of brokenness and sorrow that the Bible, God's word, has been subjugated to the lustful wishes of some of his creatures.

However, for many of us, God's opinion supersedes all others. It was God who created mankind and God who defined marriage. For those who accept the Judeo-Christian worldview there is a deep conviction that marriage is between a man and a woman. To refer to same-sex relationships as "marriage" is a travesty.

Such deviant treatment of the definition of marriage advances a false agenda based upon lies and deception rather than truth. Such manipulation actually undermines the family, which is the first and most basic relationship God gave to man.

Same-sex relationships, like any other type of sexual immorality, are ultimately destructive to human joy and peace. Specifically, homosexuality is condemned in God's Word as being "Unnatural" (see Romans 1:26-27, 1 Thessalonians 4:5, Leviticus 18:22).

That should come as no surprise to anyone. The anatomy of our bodies is an unequivocal testimony to what the Bible describes as the "natural" sexual relationship. For God, the natural sexual relationship is one man and one woman for a lifetime. Once we understand God's purposes for sex we can evaluate more readily man's errors and the perversions of his original intention for mankind.

God is a loving god who loves us. His laws are meant to protect us from the destructive forces of evil and draw us into an intimate, loving relationship with himself. For those who have erred there is the promise of forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ.

Without delving into the consequences of our culture's forsaking God's design, it seems that responsible "reporting" by the Standard-Times would take into account the impact of devoting such elaborate coverage to a behavior that is borderline, at best. San Angelo and the surrounding areas are filled with examples of true love and devotion of married couples whose relationships have been a blessing to their families, to their community and to themselves.

Maybe the issue of same-sex marriage is not as clear as the Standard-Times article indicates. The legal issue is not settled in the United States. However, the moral decision was made by God when he created marriage.